forked

[ fawrkt, fawr-kid ]

adjective

1. having a fork or fork-like branches.
2. zigzag, as lightning.

forked

/ ˈfɔːkɪdlɪ; fɔːkt; ˈfɔːkɪd /

adjective

1. 1. having a fork or forklike parts
   2. ( in combination )

      two-forked

2. having sharp angles; zigzag
3. insincere or equivocal (esp in the phrase forked tongue )

Derived Forms

• ˈforkedness, noun
• forkedly, adverb

Other Words From

• fork·ed·ly [fawr, -kid-lee], adverb
• forked·ness noun
• un·forked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forked¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; fork, -ed ³

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to speak with / have a forked tongue, to speak deceitfully; attempt to deceive.

Example Sentences

They may have also forked over $500 to reserve a specific home, which they would only get back if they signed the lease.

From Los Angeles Times

The money was to be forked over, the license agreement says, “regardless of how many sales occur or how much revenue is generated.”

From Los Angeles Times

She eventually forked out more than double the original quoted cost of a ticket for an Oasis show.

From BBC

This all means a family of four won't get much change out of a £50 note once they've forked out for their tea and added some mushy peas and cans of pop.

From BBC

After having to rely on her partner's car, she forked out more than £1,000 for the repair work and is not sure if she'll get the money back.

From BBC